Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday that celebrates family, community, and culture. These board books, picture books, and audiobook will help young children learn more about it and get into the spirit of the holiday.

Eliot, Hannah. Kwanzaa. illus. by Andrea ­Pippins. 24p. (Celebrate the World). S. & S./Little Simon. Sept. 2024. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781665962889.
Toddler-PreS–A brightly illustrated book that celebrates the traditions of Kwanzaa for the littlest readers. Each day of Kwanzaa is beautifully illustrated with children and their families celebrating the seven principles of this African American and Pan-African holiday. But first, colorful objects significant to the celebration are introduced, along with an explanation of their meaning to the festivity; for example, thekinara holds the seven candles that signify the seven days of Kwanzaa, and the kikombe cha umoja, the unity cup, honors the African ancestors. Each day of the holiday is then explained in simple terms, and readers learn how each of the seven principles are applied to daily life. While Kwanzaa is a community-spirited celebration, this text also encourages readers to reflect on their own ways to honor the traditions and carry them throughout the year. Cheerful, upbeat illustrations feature multigenerational characters with traditional dress and food that complement the African heritage of the holiday. These bold graphics are a perfect match for the simplicity of the text, making for an excellent introduction to Kwanzaa for children. VERDICT An overdue, modernized approach to Kwanzaa that informs young people about this holiday in easily understood text with relatable, engaging illustrations.–C.J Connor

Ford, Juwanda G. Together for Kwanzaa. narrated by Yinka Ladeinde. ­Listening Library. Nov. 2023. 11p. $5. ISBN 9780593826744. 
K-Gr 2–Originally published in 2000, Ford’s holiday story proves timeless with an audiobook appearing almost a quarter-century later. Nigerian-born voice actor Ladeinde’s performance is sweetly understanding as young Kayla shares her love for Kwanzaa, her “favorite time of the year,” and her sadness that her older brother Khari can’t travel home due to a heavy snowstorm. Kayla “loved celebrating her African heritage,” but missing Khari weighs heavily. Upholding her family’s traditions means dressing in colorful African clothing and setting up the Kwanzaa table with the kinara, and its seven candles to be lit over seven nights to celebrate the seven Kwanzaa principles: umoja (unity); kujichagulia (self-determination); ujima (working together and being responsible); ujamaa (supporting Black businesses), nia (purpose); kuumba (creativity); and imani (faith). Sometime in between, Khari surprises everyone. VERDICT Ladeinde relates a lovely and joyous celebration of all things Kwanzaa through one family’s experiences.–Terry Hong

Michaels, Isabel. Happy Kwanzaa! (Sesame Street). illus. by Barry Goldberg. 26p. Random. Oct. 2024. Board. $10.99. ISBN 9780593814451.
Toddler-PreS–Elmo’s friends, Tamir and Gabrielle, invite him to celebrate Kwanzaa with them. Throughout the celebration, Elmo learns the traditions of this African American and Pan-African holiday from them, with some help from Grandma Nell. When she places the kinara on the table, Grandma Nell explains, “Each day, we light a different candle in the kinara and celebrate one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.” Subsequent spreads explain each principle in relatable text, with the African term and a pronunciation guide in the upper-righthand corner. Of course, each explanation elicits an endearing response from Elmo as to how the tradition describes or excites him, such as, “Elmo loves to share!” or “Elmo likes helping family!” Bright, colorful digital images featuring the Sesame Street characters showcase the colors of Africa as well as the diversity of the Sesame Street neighborhood. VERDICT This relatable, familiar introduction to Kwanzaa is an optional addition to library shelves.–C.J Connor

Washington, Donna L. Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa. illus. by Shane W. Evans. 32p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. Sept 2010. Tr $13.99. ISBN 9780060728168.
K-Gr 1–Feeling too small to be of any use, Li'l Rabbit leaves the house to find something special for his sick grandmother during Karamu, a Kwanzaa feast. Each animal he encounters (Momma Oriole, Groundhog, frogs, etc.) has been on the receiving end of Granna Rabbit's generosity in the past and wants to help in some way. Without realizing it, Li'l Rabbit brings together a whole community for the "the best Karamu ever." The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are listed at the end of the book, providing the only direct details about the holiday. The yellow undertones (like the interior of the Rabbit family's earthy, mustard-colored home) add warmth to the cartoon artwork. VERDICT Sweetly capturing the spirit of the season, the story comes in handy as a lovely supplement to resources that provide straightforward facts about Kwanzaa.–Joanna K. Fabicon

 Zoboi, Ibi. The People Remember. illus. by Loveis Wise. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. Sept. 2021. 64p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780062915641.
PreS-Gr 3–A primer on the principles of Kwanzaa and an examination of the tenacious spirit of the formerly enslaved African people. Stolen African people from different cultures were forced to build uncommon bonds to survive the transatlantic slave trade. That they survived being separated from their land, culture, and personhood was nothing short of a miracle. Zoboi’s gorgeous prose illuminates all of the ways Black people attempted to reclaim their rights as American citizens. They were often thwarted by a corrupt system bent on consuming African culture without respecting the people who created it. Zoboi creates a colorful time line that covers the horrors of lynching, the great migration, white uprisings, hip-hop music, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Along the way, the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba, which were first introduced in 1966, are celebrated. Wise’s illustrations highlight the beauty of African American culture. Their color palette takes readers on an emotional journey that is also a brilliant blend of poetry, African, and African American history. Zoboi skillfully weaves together the narratives of enslaved Africans into a wonderful tapestry that is honest and beautiful. VERDICT Perfect for school and public libraries, this must-have offering celebrates African American cultural identity and should be included in all collections.–Desiree Thomas